Hamas warns of renewed starvation in Gaza and demands ensuring aid flow

Hamas warned of a renewed starvation crisis in Gaza due to Israeli restrictions on aid entry. Its spokesman, Hazem Qassem, called on the international community and Arab and Islamic countries to take urgent action to ensure aid flow and prevent the use of basic needs as a means of pressure.

Hamas warned on Saturday of a renewed starvation crisis in the Gaza Strip as a result of restrictions imposed by Israel on the entry of food and humanitarian aid. The movement's spokesman, Hazem Qassem, considered that efforts to reimpose the siege and starvation portend a repetition of the "grave crime against civilians." He called on the international community to take urgent action to prevent this and ensure the unimpeded delivery of supplies. Qassem criticized what he saw as a lack of accountability for past starvation crimes, saying that the failure to take steps to hold those responsible encouraged the continuation of violations and reinforced a sense of impunity. He also raised questions about the role of the "Peace Council" and its affiliated institutions in ensuring the provision of food and aid and preventing the use of basic needs as a means of pressure on civilians. Qassem called on Arab and Islamic countries, official institutions, and popular forces to take practical steps to prevent the renewal of the siege and starvation, and to work to protect civilians and ensure the flow of aid to the Strip. These statements come amid Palestinian warnings of a worsening humanitarian situation in the Strip due to shortages of some food and basic commodities.